Abstract
Angiogenesis is key to both the development and regeneration of the dentin-pulp complex.
We hypothesized that proangiogenic signaling molecules sequestered in dentin matrix can be solubilised to induce angiogenic events.
Matrix components were extracted from powdered sound human dentin with EDTA and their dose-dependent (0.0001-5 mg/mL) effects examined in endothelial cells in an
in vitro angiogenic tube formation assay, proliferation assay, and transcriptional regulation of the VEGF and VEGF-R2 genes.
Lower concentrations of dentin matrix components were found to show proangiogenic activity, whereas higher concentrations suppressed angiogenic activity.
This study highlights that the release of dentin matrix components after dental injury can contribute to the angiogenic events that support pulp regeneration.